Former NBA star Udonis Haslem believes that LeBron James should strongly consider leaving the LA Lakers.

Drama follows LeBron James‘ every move, and there has been a predictable furore since he opted into his LA Lakers contract.

This was sparked by a statement from LeBron James’ representatives, urging the Lakers to strengthen around him now, and not just build for the future with Luka Doncic.

This interesting power-struggle has been playing out, and while LeBron’s latest stance is that it is ‘business as usual’ on the Lakers, he is out of contract next summer and this creates uncertainty for the franchise, and the player.

And as such, especially in mid-July, LeBron’s future is now subject of regular speculation.

Udonis Haslem on LeBron James

Former star Udonis Haslem has told ESPN’s NBA Today that the best path ahead is for LeBron James to leave the LA Lakers.

He believes their two goals do not fit, with LeBron James requiring more urgency than the Lakers are currently prepared to invest.

And more importantly, Haslem believes the stone cold truth is that the LA Lakers’ roster is simply not good enough to win the NBA Championship next season, even with further additions.

Haslem said: “What I will say about LeBron James is two things can be true. LeBron can be looking for opportunity to put himself in a winning situation, and the Lakers can be looking for opportunity to put themselves in a winning situation the next four or five years.

“I think they both have the same goals, but just not the same timeline.

“And for LeBron James, we don’t know how much time he has, and rightfully so, you should want to put yourself in a position where you can win a championship and land a plane.

“That is not in LA, I don’t give a damn who they bring to LA, that is not a championship roster right now with the LA Lakers.

“If LeBron James wants to put himself in the championship situation, then there has to be another opportunity out there that he needs to look for.”

Udonis Haslem cheekily invites LeBron James to the Miami Heat

Udonis Haslem was a former teammate of LeBron James on the Miami Heat, and if there was a chance of him rejoining his former team, he would love to see it.

Haslem was not shy about putting this suggesting out there, commenting: “I do know a place where he is welcome. And he will always be welcome. just to put that out there.”

Realistically, the Heat do not have a chance to bring LeBron James back this summer via a trade. Their only chance would be if he was bought out, or as a free agent in 2026.

And even then, there are other teams in far more competitive situations than Miami, and of his former teams, the Cavaliers have a stronger emotional pull.

One thing is clear. The debate over LeBron James’ future will run and run.